Hockenheim boss dubious of German GP future

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Hockenheim boss Georg Seiler has admitted that the future of the German Grand Prix is not secure beyond next year.

Financial issues precluded the Nurburgring from hosting a race this year but Hockenheim, in accordance with F1's alternating scheme, has secured a date on the 2018 calendar.

Seiler is guarded over the future beyond next year however, insisting that he will take a conservative approach when the times comes to negotiate an eventual extension of the race's contract with F1.

"We will not conclude a contract for the future that involves any risks," Seiler told the German news agency DPA.

"From an economic point of view, we had to accept losses through Formula 1, which had a significant impact on our results in recent years.

"We also do not get a single euro of subsidy from the region, country, federation or anyone else, unlike just about every other race track," said Seiler.

F1's Carey open to new home for German GP

So when asked if there will be a German Grand Prix in the future, he answered: "For me it's clear. We have a contract for next year, but after that not.

"If we follow the previous rule, 2019 it would be the Nurburgring's turn and us in 2020 again. But only if the contract fits.

"If the basic conditions do not change, the future of Formula 1 in Germany is certainly at risk. If we can at least break even, that would be alright. But if there is no more F1, then so be it.

"However I hope and firmly believe that the new owners have an interest in having a German Grand Prix.

"Germany is an important market for Formula 1, no matter what circuit it takes place at," he said.

F1 CEO Chase Carey agrees with Seiler on the necessity to preserve the German GP as the event is part of the sport's core heritage.

But the American executive also said that he was open to the race moving away from its traditional Nurburgring and Hockenheim venues.

"I have already met with some German representatives, and naturally we are talking about the two race tracks that have held the German Grand Prix in the past," Carey recently said.

"But we are also looking at other options. Ultimately, however, it is too early to make concrete statements."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.